Songs of Iwate: The Heart of Our Hometown Passed Down in Song | A Collection of Classics to Enjoy While Thinking of Iwate

Morioka BluesAoe Mina

Morioka Blues Mina Aoe mrtyuchu No. 29

This song was born from the NHK program “Anata no Melody.” There was a dream-like show where amateurs composed songs and professionals performed them.

Mina Aoe released this song and even performed it at that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

For the citizens at the time, it was a source of pride that Mina Aoe—who had released local-themed songs like “Isezakicho Blues” and “Ikebukuro no Yoru”—put out a track themed around Morioka.

Of course, it remains a beloved classic among locals to this day.

VOICESaToMansion

SaToMansion / VOICE【MV】

A passionate message song inspired by Iwate’s winter scenery.

Created by SaToMansion, a band of four real-life brothers, this carefully crafted track expresses their love for their hometown with a powerful rock sound.

Released in March 2018 as the theme for TV Asahi’s EX Theater TV, the song was also used for a high school baseball program in Iwate Prefecture, and a music video was produced set at Ōdaira Baseball Stadium in Ninohe City.

Its unique world, blending the sturdy rhythms of garage rock with the sentimentality of Showa-era pop, is sure to resonate deeply with people from Iwate who now live away from home.

I think this is Iwate Prefecture.Go!Go! Setagaya Ōrusutāzu

I think this is Iwate Prefecture.

This is a song that carries the spirit of Iwate on a gentle melody.

The playful spirit and affection in Tokoro George’s lyrics convey respect for Iwate’s cultural treasures, such as the Nanbu Cattle-Driving Song and World Heritage Hiraizumi.

Released as a single by Go! Go! Setagaya All Stars from YVS Records in March 2024, the piece was written and composed by Tokoro George himself.

Its humorous expressions and heartwarming message beautifully capture the everyday lives of local people and the region’s natural beauty.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you need a break from a busy routine and wish to reflect on Iwate’s majestic nature and warm-hearted hospitality.

Soul of Tohokugurūpu damashii

Soul of Tohoku

A rock song filled with love and laughter, infused with the spirit and soul of Tohoku, sets Iwate’s heart ablaze.

Blending Group Tamashii’s unique humor with deep affection for the Tohoku region, this work bursts with hometown pride.

Released as a single in June 2004, it was created by Tohoku-connected members: lyrics by Kankuro Kudo from Miyagi Prefecture and music by Taku Tomizawa.

In 2014, an alternative version incorporating Buddhist-chant elements was also released.

It’s a piece that warms the hearts of people from Iwate living away from home—one to listen to while picturing Tohoku’s beautiful landscapes and rich culture.

Hometown WindShibata Yasutaka

"Hometown Breeze" by Yasutaka Shibata

A gem of a ballad woven from gratitude to one’s hometown and prayers for recovery.

Yasutaka Shibata’s powerful yet warm vocals seep deep into the heart in this masterpiece.

Both a majestic orchestral version and an inviting guitar version are included, each shining with its own charm.

Released in September 2016, the song was created as a support anthem for the recovery of Iwate Prefecture.

That same year, it was performed at the opening ceremony of the “Kibōkyō Iwate National Sports Festival” before Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress at the time.

It’s a piece you’ll want to listen to while envisioning Iwate’s beautiful landscapes.

Whether you live away from your hometown or wish for the recovery of disaster-affected areas, the “hometown breeze” carried by this song is sure to bring comfort to your heart.

Iwate Prefecture Residents’ SongIwate-ken

Prefectural Anthem Vocals: Sumito Tachikawa, Kyoko Ito Performed by: Orchestra

This is a song established in March 1965 to commemorate the completion of the new Iwate Prefectural Government building.

The composition and arrangement were by Yoshinao Nakata, known for works such as “Summer Memories.” The lyrics, selected from a public contest, were written by Koji Tahara and depict Iwate’s vast skies, its storied culture, and hopes for the future.

Its bright, powerful melody stirs a sense of pride in one’s hometown.

At the time it was established, a single was released by Victor featuring performances by Sumito Tachikawa and Kyoko Ito.

Years later, in September 2007, a newly recorded version began airing within the prefectural office to build momentum for Hiraizumi’s World Heritage inscription and the hosting of the National Sports Festival.

Even as times change, it continues to be sung in evolving forms, serving as a symbol of Iwate.

Nanbu Cattle Drover’s SongIwate ken min’yō

Nambu Cattle-Driving Song (Iwate Prefecture Folk Song)

This is a folk song of Iwate Prefecture that, with its wistful melody and deep emotion, conveys the climate and history of the Nanbu region of Iwate to the present day.

Born as a work song for people driving cattle—indispensable for farming and transport—it has taken root in the community and been passed down across generations.

It was recorded in the early Showa period by Victor and Columbia, bringing it nationwide recognition.

Frequently featured in Iwate’s tourism promotions and educational programs, it is also an essential presence at local festivals and events.

Best enjoyed while envisioning Iwate’s majestic natural scenery, this piece is perfect for those who feel a longing for their hometown or who wish to experience traditional Japanese music.